Impend: meaning, definitions and examples
⏳
impend
[ ɪmˈpɛnd ]
to be imminent
The verb 'impend' means to be about to happen or to be imminent. It often conveys a sense of urgency or an impending occurrence that is foreseen. Typically, it is used in contexts where something significant or serious is on the verge of occurring. The term can suggest a feeling of dread or anticipation regarding what is to come.
Synonyms
approach, loom, overhang, threaten.
Examples of usage
- The storm clouds began to impend over the town.
- Danger may impend if we don't take immediate action.
- The meeting to discuss layoffs is impending.
Translations
Translations of the word "impend" in other languages:
🇵🇹 impender
🇮🇳 आसन्न होना
🇩🇪 drohen
🇮🇩 mengancam
🇺🇦 нависати
🇵🇱 zagrażać
🇯🇵 迫る
🇫🇷 menacer
🇪🇸 amenazar
🇹🇷 tehdit etmek
🇰🇷 위협하다
🇸🇦 يهدد
🇨🇿 hrozit
🇸🇰 hroziť
🇨🇳 威胁
🇸🇮 groziti
🇮🇸 hóta
🇰🇿 қауіп төндіру
🇬🇪 მუქარა
🇦🇿 təhlükə yaratmaq
🇲🇽 amenazar
Etymology
The word 'impend' originates from the Latin word 'impendere,' which means 'to hang over' or 'to threaten.' This is a combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'upon' or 'in' and 'pendere,' meaning 'to hang.' It was first recorded in English in the early 17th century. Historically, it has been used in various literary contexts to describe events that are approaching or threats that are looming. Its use in English reflects both the physical sense of something hanging overhead and the metaphorical sense of danger or major change that is anticipated.